The Mir Bungalow, also known as the Badshahi Bungalow in Tando Noor Mohammad, Unit 4, Latifabad, Hyderabad, is a structure that makes us acknowledge the simplicity, grace and grandeur of structures that are a part of Sindhian heritage and architecture. After the annexation of Sindh, eleven members of the ruling dynasty were kept prisoners in Poona and Calcutta. On his return from the Calcutta prison in 1863, Prince Mir Hassan Ali Khan Talpur, son of Mir Naseer Khan Talpur, the last ruler of Hyderabad designed and commissioned this imposing bungalow for his residence. It consists of a spacious three storey terraced structure and a single storey annexe with a walkway connecting it to the level of the ground floor roof. The building’s design was primarily based, as is usually the case, on architectural balance and symmetry.

Some of its striking characteristics are embellished interiors complemented by teak doors, fanlights glazed with coloured clear glass, royal chandeliers, mounted trophies, ceiling mounted candle light fixtures of different designs and carved teak furniture. The marked feature of the exterior is its colonnades, perforated parapet and teakwood screens (trellis) and louvres.

The EFT extended its support to the custodians of the building to conserve and restore its lost glory. In October, 2010, restoration began with emergency repairs and execution of structural stabilization work. The roof has been fixed and lime plaster carried out on the building’s interior and exterior, using traditional materials and techniques. The restoration of lime wash, paint finishes and brick floor of the lower storey of the main building are currently in progress. The areas that still need to be addressed include the repair and re-polishing of all woodwork on the interior and exterior, replacement of the damaged brick floor and general maintenance works. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 4 million.